Differences in Strength Between Male and Female Competative Rock Climbers

Source: Submitted by Author to TFC
Authors: D.M.Binney, T.Cochrane*
Institutions: University of Sheffield Centre of Sports Medicine &
University of Stafford School of Health*

OBJECTIVES:
The difference in the level of performance between males and females in rock climbing competitions is striking. For example in the British indoor leading competition series male and female final routes are 8a+ and 7c respectively. There are several possible physical and anthropometric factors which could contribute to this: men are taller, have more muscle mass, have a greater ape index (arm span minus height) and less body fat. Studies by Watts et al 1993 (J. Sports Sci, 11, 113-117), and Binney et al. 1999 (J Sports Sci, 17(1), 11-12) have identified % body fat as an important factor in performance for female competitive rock climbers. This study was conducted to investigate whether differences in strength are concomitant with the performance difference when lean body mass is taken into account.

CONCLUSIONS:
This research has shown that differences in strength relative to body mass between male and female competitive rock climbers are concomitant with gender performance differences in competition. However, no significant difference exists when percentage body fat is taken into account. Although this research has identified a gender link between strength and performance further research is necessary in order to identify whether this differences exists between elite athletes of the same gender. This research supports the relationship between % body fat and performance, which has potential health implication particularly for female climbers.